Also known as Liverleaf · 195 gardener saves
Hepatica: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Hepatica, the genus most gardeners know as liverleaf. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Hepatica varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedIsland Hepatica
Hepatica insularis
#2 most savedGiant Liverleaf
Hepatica maxima
#3 most savedLiverleaf
Hepatica nobilis
Sharp-lobed Hepatica
Hepatica acutiloba
Henry's Liverleaf
Hepatica henryi
Round-lobed Hepatica
Hepatica americana
How to grow Hepatica
What the Hepatica varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Hepatica year
- MulchMarch and October100% of varieties
Apply leaf mold or fine compost to keep roots cool and moist.
- Spring CleanupFebruary100% of varieties
Remove old, tattered foliage just before new flowers emerge.
- PlantMarch, September and October67% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall.
- DivideApril50% of varieties
Divide only when necessary, immediately after flowering.
- FertilizeMarch33% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer or compost tea as growth begins.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
- Divide clumps in early spring to promote healthy growth
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid excessive sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
- Do not allow soil to dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization that can promote weak growth
What goes wrong with Hepatica
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and ragged edges | Use organic slug pellets or handpick at night |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Hepatica
Seed
- Sow seeds in moist, acidic soil in fall.
- Stratify seeds in refrigerator for 8-12 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings after germination in early spring.
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall.
- Plant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly.
Hepatica questions
How many types of Hepatica are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Hepatica varieties. The most popular — ranked by 195 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Hepatica grow in?
Across its varieties, Hepatica covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hepatica bloom?
Most Hepatica varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hepatica should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Hepatica shows up in
Design with Hepatica in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
